Stop dithering over your leadership ambitions, MPs tell Alan Johnson

Rebel MPs determined to unseat Gordon Brown next month have urged Home Secretary Alan Johnson to stop dithering over his leadership ambitions.

A party ‘cell’, led by former Cabinet Minister Charles Clarke, says Labour has ‘one last chance’ to remove the Prime Minister before the General Election.

Mr Johnson is seen as his most credible replacement.

Rebel MPs have urged Alan Johnson to stop dithering over his leadership ambitions

Speculation about former postman Mr Johnson’s intentions intensified last week after he was spotted in a huddle with Mr Clarke and fellow anti-Brown plotter Frank Field at a party, putting on a show of mutual appreciation.

Labour chiefs have identified a series of triggers for a leadership crisis, starting with the conference in two weeks.

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If Mr Brown’s speech is a flop and David Cameron’s a triumph, Labour MPs may move against the Prime Minister when the Commons resumes.

In a telling exchange, Mr Clarke bumped into Mr Cameron after his abortive bid to oust Mr Brown in June and said: ‘We’ll be back.’ The Tory leader replied: ‘That’s what I’m worried about.’

A leading Labour rebel said: ‘We’ve got one last chance. The post-conference polls will be crucial. If we remain in the 24 to 27per cent range, Alan will come under intense pressure to – finally – go for it.’

‘On paper, Alan should be the answer to our troubles,’ said one MP. ‘But you have to ask if he really wants it.’